Entertainer (song) explained

"Entertainer" is a song by English singer-songwriter Zayn. It was released through RCA Recordsas the second single from his second studio album, Icarus Falls, on 23 May 2018.^[1] Zayn wrote the song with producer Henrique Andrade and co-producer Alexandre Bursztyn, alongside Iliana Nedialkova. He recorded the song in a studio in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.^[2]

Release and promotion

Zayn teased the song the day before its official release with a cryptic teaser from the video uploaded on his Twitter account. Later on, an official Malik update account tweeted a GIF from the video and the indication of Shazam with Malik's previous single, "Let Me", to unlock an exclusive teaser of the video before its official release.^[3]

Music video

The official music video for "Entertainer" was released alongside the song on 23 May 2018. It continues a storyline from his previous two singles, "Dusk Till Dawn" from 2017 and "Let Me" from 2018. The music video stars Malik alongside Cuban-American actor Steven Bauer and American model Sofia Jamora. Malik is seen going to a strip club, where he spots his love interest. The two spend a sensual night together. But when his lady love disappears in the morning, Zayn returns to the club to track her down.^[4] Billboard called the video "seductive".^[5]

Critical reception

Lauren O'Neill of Noisey gave the song a positive review, stating that Zayn "finally leans into his potential" and the song "feels like a subtle arrival for someone who hadn't quite nailed down his sound." She said the laid-back synths suit Zayn's personality, the chorus "has a bit of a fire underneath" it, and Zayn vocally "has one of the best falsetto ranges" in pop music.^[6]

Charts

Chart (2018)	Peak position
Malaysia (RIM)[7]	11
New Zealand Heatseekers (RMNZ)[8]	6

Notes and References

1. News: Zayn Releases New Video 'Entertainer,' Teases Upcoming Album. Chuba. Kirsten. 23 May 2018. Variety. 23 May 2018. 23 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180523203933/http://variety.com/2018/music/news/zayn-entertainer-new-album-1202819770/. live.
2. Web site: Video: ZAYN – 'Entertainer'. Rap-Up. 23 May 2018. 24 May 2018. 25 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180525062247/http://www.rap-up.com/2018/05/23/video-zayn-entertainer/. live.
3. Zayn Malik Teases 'Entertainer' Video: Watch. Billboard. 23 May 2018. 26 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180526150234/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8457535/zayn-malik-teases-entertainer-video. live.
4. Web site: Zayn Malik Hooks Up With a Stripper in "Entertainer" Music Video. E! News. Jess Cohen. 23 May 2018. 23 May 2018. 24 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180524040754/https://www.eonline.com/news/938421/zayn-malik-hooks-up-with-a-stripper-in-entertainer-music-video. live.
5. Zayn Drops Epic New Song & Video For 'Entertainer': Watch. Billboard. 23 May 2018. 26 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180526150222/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8457581/zayn-entertainer-new-song-video. live.
6. Web site: ZAYN Finally Leans Into His Potential on "Entertainer". Noisey. 24 May 2018. 28 May 2018. 29 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180529054329/https://noisey.vice.com/en_uk/article/a3ae5a/zayn-malik-entertainer-video. live.
7. Web site: Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles in Malaysia. Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. 11 June 2018. 12 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180712193321/http://www.rim.org.my/main/images/stories/RIM/Chart%202018/22_i_dm.pdf. live.
8. Web site: NZ Heatseeker Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. 4 June 2018. 1 June 2018. 3 April 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190403150025/https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/singles?chart=4484. live.